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By Sebastien Nicolas, Justice and Legal Thought College Park Scholar
I never believed I would be able to get the chance to actually work on the frontlines and bring about that chance of equality to Black and minority figures such as myself. The fact that through this internship I was able to make a positive difference against the legal injustices of our nation is so empowering.
For my internship experience, I decided to do my internship at Rising for Justice. Rising for Justice is a social justice organization committed to the principles of racial equality. For over 50 years now, the organization has provided legal services to individuals who face grave legal jeopardy. What is most important to me about my internship is the dedication all staff workers, interns, law students, and attorneys have to advancing social justice in our nation today. From the work I have conducted, along with guidance from my supervisors, I have been able to make a true impact in the lives of low-income marginalized residents in the District area. I have been able to help misrepresented Black and minority individuals gain assistance and guidance in their legal issues such as eviction cases. I have always signed petitions and donated to charities and causes that are fighting for social justice and equality in our legal system. However, I never believed I would be able to get the chance to actually work on the frontlines and bring about that chance of equality to Black and minority figures such as myself. The fact that through this internship I was able to make a positive difference against the legal injustices of our nation is so empowering. This internship has made me very passionate in social justice and has made me want to seek more internship opportunities that allow me to help marginalized members of my society. The one-on-one work I got to conduct with clients during my time in Rising for Justice has shown me that change can happen in our legal system. I want to continue that work and continue to advance social and civil justice for all Black, minority, and marginalized members of America.
Hi Sebastien,
I was drawn to your poster because your internship was focused on principles of racial equality, which something I am really passionate about. Something I learned from your project was that we as students can make a genuine change in society through these experiences! Are you planning on doing more similar internships in the future?
Hi Sebastien,
What caught my attention was the topic & the statistics provided. I absolutely love how you chose an internship that directly focused on problems in minority communities and I think this is also imp especially with the pandemic and its impact on a lot of people. How did this internship affect your future career choice ?
Hi Sebastien, I have to say that your work is super impactful and helpful to so many people. I've known a few people that have struggled with housing insecurity and homelessness before and I know that it can be tough. In your opinion, how can we as a society ensure that people are more educated about our rights, especially rights as tenants? Who is to blame for level of housing insecurity in the US? The courts, landlords, society? Thanks for any insight!
Hi Sebastien! I thought your work in these civil cases on eviction defense was really cool. I have rarely seen these types of cases and was unaware that there were people defending those specifically in low-income areas. I also have never heard of Rising for Justice and learned that they help marginalize and low-income residents in D.C improve their living conditions. I also learned that a main principle of the organization is combatting racial inequality. I was curious to learn more about how eviction defense changed due to the pandemic. In addition what other work does the organization do?
Hi Sebastien,
I think that your poster caught my attention mostly because of the housing insecurity that exists in the country and how it has only worsened due to the pandemic. I think that the work you have done is truly a contribution to society, as it is positively affecting minorities within the District. Do you think that Rising for Justice has seen more claims now due to the pandemic? Have they helped more people in the last recent year than they have their previous years?